SERIOUS FIRE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume X, Issue 4277, 27 November 1888, Page 3

SERIOUS FIRE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.) Wamgaotji, November 27. A fire broke out this morning at 12 45 in M'Gregor's boot store, next door to the Chronicle office. An alarm waß given at once by one of the staff, and the engines were soon on the spot ; but before many minutes had elapsed the whole corner block, from the Chronicle office in Ridg-way-street to Drummond and Co.'s, next to the Bank of New Sooth Wales, was all ablaza. The bank, up to the time of wiring, is safe, but not out of danger. The high wind blowing spread the fire to the opposite side of the avenue, but It waa : 'extinguished before any damage was done. The cause of the fire 1b unknown. The buildings, etc., are mostly covered by Insurance. Later. A fire occurred last night, which destroyed a block of buildings containing the Chronicle office, the Wanganui Meat Company's shop, Barreaon's (phrenologist's) office, and M'Gregor's (boot and shoemaker's) and Drummond (ironmonger's) shops. The fire originated, it is supposed, in M'Gregor's upstairs, which was unoccupied, though used by them during the day. The fire broke out very suddenly, and the men on the Chronicle staff had just time to get downstairs, and were not able to get back for their coats. Ia a very short time the whole of the buildings were a mass of flames. The fire brigade worked splendidly, and by dint of great exertions, and in face of a gale of wind, saved the Bank of New South Waleß There was no salvage got out, and at one time the blocks on both ends of the j street were in danger. Insurances on! stock—Chronicle, L2OO in the Colonial, L2OO in the National, and L 270 in the North German offioes; M'Gregor, Ll5O io the Phoenix, aod L3OO in the Snn offices ; Drummond, L6OO iu the London and Liverpool and Globe, and L6OO in the South . British -offices. Insurances on buildings—New Zealand office, LBSO ; Victoria offica, L 25 0; and Imperial office, L 250. Mr M'Gregor estimates his lobs over insurance at over L 250 and Drummond at L4OO. The Chronicle's loss is not yet known. The Herald has offered assistance to the latter in their present difficulty. - .